Reviews with content warning for Racial slurs - The Heaven & Earth Grocery Store

Similar to previous reviews I have read of this book, it is not quite what it advertises itself to be. Indeed, the "murder mystery" aspect of it seems to be almost a secondary focus of the account (think of this as similar to The Secret History's advertising). Instead, this book focuses on themes of community and solidarity, particularly showing how physical spaces not only impact the relationships we form with one another, but ultimately seems to show how the spaces we encounter impact our senses of agency and our politics overall. I think the book is stunning in the way it maps this out. Props also must go to the writing style of the book, which I think makes it easy to imagine and immerse yourself in the world, while also containing moments of excellence (which I found most stunning when we reach Chona's and Dodo's points of view). I think it is also very informative on Jewish and Black cultures, which I think makes it really interesting and leaves the reader taking away a lot on those identities. The only qualm I have with this book is that at times I think there is a lot of unnecessary clings onto descriptions, and with the wide breadth of characters and storylines, at times it comes off as a bit confusing and, perhaps, boring to read. All in all though, it is a wonderful book and I am glad that I picked it up.

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tessduryea's review against another edition

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emotional mysterious medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

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kaymikulec's review against another edition

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emotional reflective medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? It's complicated
Loveable characters? It's complicated
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

4.5

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hannahbee_97's review against another edition

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challenging emotional sad tense medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? It's complicated
Loveable characters? It's complicated
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.75

This book was well written. I found myself thinking about books I read in my American Lit classes in undergrad, this had similar vibes to those, but with more complex/diverse characters. It isn’t a book I’m likely to reread, but it was worth reading.

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